"The MK 48 is designed to combat fast, deep-diving nuclear submarines and high performance surface ships. All US Navy submarines carry it. The improved MK 48 ADCAP is carried by attack submarines, the Ohio class ballistic missile submarines, and will be carried by the Seawolf class attack submarines. The MK 48 replaced both the MK 37 and MK 14 torpedoes. The MK 48 has been operational in the US Navy since 1972. The MK 48 ADCAP became operational in 1988 and was approved for full production in 1989.

The MK 46 torpedo is designed to attack high performance submarines, and is presently identified as the NATO standard. The MK 46 Mod 5 torpedo is the backbone of the US Navy's lightweight ASW torpedo inventory and is expected to remain in service until the year 2015.

The MK 50 is an advanced lightweight torpedo for use against faster, deep diving, and more sophisticated submarines, and will eventually replace the MK 46 as the fleet's lightweight torpedo.

Features: MK 48 and MK 48 ADCAP torpedoes can operate with or without wire guidance and use active/or passive homing. When launched they execute programmed target search, acquisition and attack procedures. Both can conduct multiple reattacks if they miss the target. The MK 46 torpedo is designed to be launched from surface combatant torpedo tubes, ASROC missiles, and fixed and rotary wing aircraft. In 1989, a major upgrade programme was begun to enhance the performance of the MK 46 Mod 5 in shallow water. Weapons incorporating these improvements were identified as Mod 5 A and Mod 5 A (S) torpedoes."

General Characteristics i.e. Primary function, contractors, power plants, lengths, weights, diameters, ranges, depths, speeds, guidance systems, warheads, and dates deployed are given for the MK 48, MK 48 (ADCAP), MK 46 Mod 5 and MK 50 torpedoes.